WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today that he secured legislation in the Fiscal Year 2020 government-funding agreement to begin the process of designating a section of the Wendell H. Ford Western Kentucky Parkway in Muhlenberg and Ohio Counties as a spur of Interstate 69 (I-569). The government funding bills were approved today by the House of Representatives and the Senate is expected to approve them in the coming days. Once approved, the government-funding agreement will be sent to President Trump for his signature.
In April, Majority Leader McConnell and Congressman James Comer (KY-01) introduced companion legislation for the new designation which will highlight the region’s connections with the federal interstate highway system and aid in attracting new industry and economic development to this area. The McConnell/Comer legislation will add this section of roadway to the list of “High Priority Corridors,” and once the designation is official at the state and federal levels, the roadway will be labeled as I-569. Additionally, this legislation provides an exemption to the federal weight limit on the Edward T. Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway.
“Western Kentucky is open for business, and I’m proud to advance this effort with Congressman Comer and local leaders to support new economic activity along the Western Kentucky Parkway,” said Majority Leader McConnell. “With an interstate designation and a federal weight exemption, this corridor can attract new investment and good jobs into local communities. As Senate Majority Leader, I’m constantly drawing national attention to Kentucky’s priorities, and together with Congressman Comer, we will continue delivering for families and communities in the Commonwealth.”
"The designation of this section of the Western Kentucky Parkway as a spur of Interstate 69 will bolster economic development and job creation in Muhlenberg and Ohio counties," Congressman Comer said. "Western Kentucky's priorities are clearly at the front of the line in Washington, and I was proud to work alongside Senator McConnell, State Representative Melinda Gibbons-Prunty, State Representative Scott Lewis and other local leaders to provide greater opportunities for these communities."
“Majority Leader McConnell and Congressman Comer continue to deliver for West Kentucky’s infrastructure, and I’m grateful for their leadership to put our priorities at the center of the national agenda,” said Scott Lewis, State Representative for Ohio and Daviess Counties. “Our families and our communities are well-served by their tireless advocacy in Washington on our behalf. This federal interstate designation can build upon our region’s strong economic growth, and we all look forward to the great benefits this legislation will bring to our community.”
Melinda Gibbons-Prunty, State Representative for Muhlenberg and Hopkins Counties, said, “I had the privilege of being in Washington, D.C. with Majority Leader McConnell and Congressman Comer when this project was formally announced. I appreciate Senator McConnell‘s extra efforts to get this across the finish line this year. The goal and hope is to enhance economic development for Muhlenberg County, the 15th District, and the entire region.”
“Once again, Majority Leader McConnell and Congressman Comer have shown they can work across the aisle to get things done for Kentucky,” Muhlenberg County-Judge Executive Curtis McGehee said. “We’re continuing to work together to make Muhlenberg County a premier destination for businesses and good jobs for Kentucky families, and we are well served by our members of Congress drawing national attention to these priorities. As I-569, the Western Kentucky Parkway will be a brand new avenue for opportunity, one that can drive economic growth in our community.”
“Because of the leadership of Senator McConnell and Congressman Comer, Western Kentucky is equipped with the tools to thrive,” said Gary Jones, Director of Business Development of the Muhlenberg Alliance for Progress. “Adding the Wendell H. Ford Western Kentucky Parkway to the federal interstate system can continue advancing economic growth in our region, benefiting our families and communities. We’re grateful to both Majority Leader McConnell and Congressman Comer for helping pave the way to Western Kentucky’s bright future.”